Fallen Rochester Hills soldier remembered as 'a great soldier and a natural leader'

DAVE PHILLIPS

Published
12:00 am EDT, Thursday, August 16, 2012

Mourners gathered Thursday morning at St. Mary of the Hills in Rochester Hills to celebrate the life of U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle McClain, who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on Aug. 1.

A patriotic scene greeted attendees, as two fire engines hoisted a large American flag high in the air, while a strong contingent of military members surrounded the church before entering for the service. Two military vehicles were parked outside, and a bagpipe player performed as attendees entered the church.

Several speakers during the funeral described McClain as a man who was great in every role he served -- soldier, son, husband, friend and family member.

During the service, he earned two more distinctions -- as a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal recipient.

McClain's mother, Geraldine McClain, was stoic while delivering the eulogy. She referenced the symbolism of McClain's name, as well as his Koren birth name, which meant pillars rising.

"Many years later, he rose to the occasion for the country he loves -- America," she said.

The middle name was significant in a number of ways. McClain was born in the hills of Korea, lived in Rochester Hills and attended St. Mary of the Hills Catholic Church in Rochester Hills -- the site of his funeral.

"Kyle was given to us, a gift to us," McClain said of her son, who she adopted as an infant with husband Michael.

McClain referenced Isiah 9:6, which says "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, And the government shall be upon his shoulder."

She read a letter from Kyle McClain's aunt, written to him in 1987, and McClain's wife, Lisa, read a letter written by a close friend from college.

"After I heard about Kyle's passing, my pain was matched and surpassed only by the joy of being able to call Kyle my friend," the letter read by Lisa McClain stated.

"He never expected one thing in return for any thoughtful act he provided. Not one thing.

"Kyle did not need much to be happy. All he needed was a few good friends, a loving family and a beautiful wife."

The letter described how McClain preferred to come home on weekends to help his father work rather than hang out in bars or at parties with friends.

Geraldine McClain also read the eulogy that was read at the military funeral by McClain's Army commander of nearly two years.

"(McClain was) the type of soldier that made my job as commander easier," the eulogy stated.

"He was a great soldier and a natural leader, and he set the example for others in his platoon to follow. Nobody trained harder than Sgt. McClain. He had a positive influence on all those around him and never forgot the importance of having fun."

That fun was often displayed in the form of pranks, according to the commander, who also gave a speech at the funeral. He referenced an incident that occurred about halfway through the funeral mass, when fire alarms went off inside the church.

"He was a wonderful son, brother, husband -- a great soldier, leader and warrior," the commander said.

"He was a prankster, too. I wouldn't be surprised if he had something to do with the fire alarms that went off."

In the military eulogy, the commander told his troops about his conversation with McClain's wife, Lisa.

"I was amazed at how strong she was," he said.

"She wanted me to know that Sg. McClain was not just an amazing soldier; he was a sentimental, loving and caring man."

She also asked him to pass a message to the other soldiers.

"We can be good soldiers and also committed to our friends and family," she told the commander.

"Cherish every moment, and treat it as though it may be our last, because it just might be."